Border Springer

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23-40 lbs
19-22"
United States
Border Collie
English Springer Spaniel
Sprollie

The Border Springer is a mix between the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. This is a newer hybrid breed with a rather unknown origin story. It can be difficult to determine the exact appearance and personality of the Border Springer, even within the same litter, as the outcomes can vary quite a lot depending on which parent breed’s genes are stronger. For the most part, the Border Springer, also known as the Sprollie, is a medium to large sized dog that has the body of the English Springer Spaniel with the coloring, markings, and personality traits of the two breeds combined. This breed likes nothing more than to be working alongside their owners, whether that is hunting or training. They are full of energy and intelligence paired with beautiful looks. The Border Springer is a great family dog, yet he may not be the best choice for a beginner dog owner due to his training needs. He is used for hunting and as a companion dog. 
purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding, Showing
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Border Collie, English Springer Spaniel

Border Springer Health

Average Size
Male Border Springer size stats
Height: 19-22 inches Weight: 30-50 lbs
Female Border Springer size stats
Height: 19-22 inches Weight: 23-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Seborrhea
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
Minor Concerns
  • Ectropion
  • Cataracts
  • Pannus
  • Diabetes
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
  • Corneal Dystrophy
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Blood
  • Heart
  • Blood And Urine Protein Screens
  • Skin Scraping
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination

Border Springer Breed History

Due to the Border Springer being a new hybrid breed, there isn’t a lot of information regarding its origin. The parent breeds involved in creating the Border Springer are the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel, both of which are high energy, athletic dogs that were bred specifically for a working purpose. The English Springer Spaniel was created to be a hunter, companion, show dog, and a participant in field trials. They first came to exist in Spain and were known for their ability to spring upon prey quickly and efficiently. The breed has been split into two types: the smaller version for hunting, and the larger more beautiful version for show. The Border Collie has been used for generations as a herding dog and is, without a doubt, one of the most intelligent breeds in existence. They were created between Scotland and England are extremely intelligent, loyal, and eager to please. This breed has an intense stare and is not for the faint of heart, considering his herding skills can get out of line if proper training does not take place. However, the Border Collie is much loved and great at both show and herding. When these two breeds are combined, the outcome is a dog that is lively, friendly, and very intelligent. While they may not be the best watch dogs due to their loving nature, the Border Springer is more than happy to let you know when someone is approaching with a few barks. They are a great family pet and a wonderful companion for those who enjoy lots of exercise and adventure.

Border Springer Breed Appearance

The Border Springer will take on the appearance of both the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. While appearance can vary even in the same litter, the typical Border Springer will have the body of a Springer and a combination of other traits from the Border Collie. This is a medium sized dog that can come in a variety of colors; the most common being black and white or liver and white. While the coat can be either long or short and smooth, it is always double coated with a dense upper coat and a soft undercoat. If the fur is longer, feathering will be present along the legs, stomach, and tail. The Border Springer has bright, oval shaped eyes that are full of life and intelligence, with the tendency to be a dark brown or black on occasion. The ears are medium sized and set widely apart on a broad, proud head. They are floppy, as neither parent breed tends to have erect ears. 

Border Springer Breed Maintenance

Due to the fact that both the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel are relatively low maintenance, there isn’t too much you need to do to keep your Border Springer clean. Both parent breeds tend to shed moderately all year long, so keep in mind that hair is going to be a constant presence in your home. The best way to keep the shedding to a minimum is to brush your Border Springer at least a few times a week in order to remove any dirt or loose hair lying on the body. If you have a long hair version of this breed, be sure to focus on the feathering and longer sections of the hair to remove any debris and tangles. Bathing only needs to happen occasionally or when your dog gets especially dirty. Besides brushing and bathing, regular ear cleaning should take place often as this breed has folded over ears that can trap moisture and foreign objects, leading to infection and irritation. Always thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after a bath or swimming. Nail trimming should happen every few weeks in order to keep the feet healthy.

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Border Springer Temperament

The temperament of the Border Springer is going to be a combination of the Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel. This means that while both breeds are very loving, loyal, and great with kids, they do have a high intelligence that can make them a handful at times. Due to the fact that the Spaniel is designed to chase prey and the Border Collie is meant to herd, if your Border Springer does not have proper training and socialization while young, he may end up chasing and herding young children or other animals. The Border Springer, while not overly loud, does have a tendency to bark at strangers or disturbances in order to alert their owners. While this is a good thing in some cases, it may get annoying to close neighbors. This, and the combined need for lots of room to exercise, makes the Border Springer a dog that needs a larger home with a yard and more of a suburban or country living space. There is no doubt that while this breed is beautiful and very intelligent, he is not a breed for those owners with no experience. Proper training and determination will be needed in order to ensure that your Border Springer does not herd inappropriately and his energy is used productively. Overall, this breed is a great companion, worker, and family dog that has a lot of energy and a lot of love. 

Border Springer Activity Requirements

Because the Border Springer has very active and high-energy genes, it is a breed that will need a lot of exercise during the day. This doesn’t just mean exercise on his own out in the yard. The Border Collie and the English Springer Spaniel are very intelligent, so both physical and mental stimulation are required to keep your dog happy and content. Long walks, jogs, bike rides, fetch, puzzle toys, and fetch in the yard are some great ways to keep your Border Springer entertained. Be sure to stay on top of training to ensure that your dog is not only learning how to behave but also can be mentally worn out as well. This breed does best in a home that has plenty of room to exercise, preferably in a mild climate. If you do not allow your Border Springer to get enough exercise, he may become destructive and annoying with all his barking. This is not a dog for someone who just wants to sit around on the couch in their spare time. The Border Springer needs an owner who wants to invest in him and spend as much time as possible outdoors.
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Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 10/06/2017, edited: 01/24/2022

More articles by Darlene Stott

Border Springer Owner Experiences

Piper
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Puzzle Toys
Catch ball
Brushing
Tricks
Walk
Fetch
Piper has been a very swift learner from day one! We adopted her at 8 weeks old from a local shelter. We definitely experienced all the ins and outs of puppyhood, but now have a playful, loving family dog. She follows her mini-humans all around the house and yard (and learned very quickly not to “herd” them). She loves to play fetch and especially loves trying to catch the ball in the air. She loves the challenge of puzzle toys and hide and seek. Once we found a brush that doesn't hurt her, she willingly comes and sits for a good brushing as needed. Bath is not her favorite, but she loves getting her fur blow-dried after! She is not the most well-behaved dog on walks (because she wants to run full speed), but she is getting better. She is obsessed with her family and loves being around us and giving “hugs and kisses.” Truly the best dog ever!
2 months, 1 week ago
Badger
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
He's been a super handful growing up, but over time we've learned to trust and he loves just being by my side no matter what I do... one of the best dogs I've owned by FAR
2 years, 5 months ago
Scooter
7 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I rescued this dog after he was dumped on my mail route. I did a dna test to learn his breed. He has brought life back to our 9 year old beagles who just wanted to lay around everyday, now they want to play again! He is more work than our beagles but we knew that when we brought him home. We are trying to train him for bird hunting. So far it is going ok. We have high hopes! He is very loving and loves being with any one of us all day long. He has been a lot of fun and we are excited to have many years with Scooter!
1 year, 11 months ago
McRae
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Spending time
Walk
Run
grooming
training
Tug-of-war
Fetch
petting
McRae (Mac) is an amazing fit for my Boston family. He has a very balanced temperament, is content, and a very interesting dude to live with.
1 year, 10 months ago
Molly
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Long walks in the woods.
Very aktiv but a fast learner. You need to train with you dog the 1 and 2. Years of your dogs life. Now I have the best dog ever. She has always bin kind and playfull. I love my dog ❤️
1 year, 2 months ago
Pepper
10 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Jogging
Hiking
Playing with toys
Riding in the car with head out the window
Chase the ball
Our doggie has been a GREAT family dog. We obtained her as a rescue when our daughters were age 9 and 7. She is very intelligent and wants to please. She likes to be included when we do chores and will follow us around. She "protects" our yard from squirrels and rabbits. We love her very much.
1 year, 1 month ago
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Do border collie spandiel mix have hair or fur

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